Structural connecting member

Abstract

A connecting member for connecting a plurality of elongated hollow frame members together to form a desired structure. The connecting member is formed of plastic material and comprises a plurality of arms extending in different directions and which are adapted to be inserted into the hollow frame members. The arms are I-shaped in cross-section and have spring biased locking members adapted to fit into apertures formed in the frame members for securing the frame members to the connecting member when its arms are inserted into the hollow frame members.

I claim: 
     
       1. A connecting member for connecting a plurality of elongated frame members together to form a desired structure, said elongated frame members having openings formed therethrough and which extend along the length of said frame members, said connecting member comprising: a plurality of arms having first ends connected together and second ends extending outward in different directions,   said arms comprising integral members molded from a plastic material,   each arm comprising: two spaced apart portions connected together by an intermediate portion,   a cylindrical shaped member molded to said intermediate portion, the diameter of said cylindrical shaped member being greater than the thickness of said intermediate portion,   an aperture formed into one of said two spaced apart portions and into said cylindrical shaped member,   a movable locking member located in said cylindrical shaped member and comprising a generally hemispherical portion adapted to be moved to outward and inward positions,   said generally hemispherical portion of said locking member extending through said aperture and beyond said one portion of said two spaced apart portions of said arm when said generally hemispherical portion is moved to said outward position,   spring means located in said cylindrical shaped portion and normally urging said generally hemispherical portion of said locking member to said outward position,     said arms having a size in cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional size of said openings of said frame members such that said arms may be inserted into said frame members and moved to predetermined securing positions,   said generally hemispherical portions of said locking members being movable to their inward positions to allow said arms to be inserted into said openings of said frame members and moved to said securing positions,   said frame members having apertures formed through the structure thereof communicating with said openings such that when said arms are located at said securing positions in said openings, said generally hemispherical portions of said locking members extend into said apertures of said frame members and secure said frame members to said connecting member.   
     
     
       2. A combination for forming a desired structure comprising: a connecting member comprising a plurality of arms having first ends connected together and second ends extending outward in different directions,   said arms comprising integral members molded from a plastic material,   a plurality of elongated frame members,   said elongated frame members having openings formed therethrough and which extend along the length of said frame members,   each arm comprising: two spaced apart portions connected together by an intermediate portion,   a cylindrical shaped member molded to said intermediate portion, the diameter of said cylindrical shaped member being greater than the thickness of said intermediate portion,   an aperture formed into one of said two spaced apart portions and into said cylindrical shaped member,   a movable locking member located in said cylindrical shaped member and comprising a generally hemispherical portion adapted to be moved to outward and inward positions,   said generally hemispherical portion of said locking member extending through said aperture and beyond said one portion of said two spaced apart portions of said arm when said generally hemispherical portion is moved to said outward position,   spring means located in said cylindrical shaped portion and normally urging said generally hemispherical portion of said locking member to said outward position,     said arms having a size in cross-section corresponding to the cross-sectional size of said openings of said frame members such that said arms may be inserted into said openings of said frame members and moved to predetermined securing positions,   said generally hemispherical portions of said locking members being movable to their inward positions against the force of said springs to allow said arms to be inserted into said opening of said frame members and moved to said securing positions,   said frame members having apertures formed through the structure thereof communicating with said openings such that when said arms are located at said securing positions in said openings, said generally hemispherical portions of said locking members extend into said apertures of said frame members and secure said frame members to said connecting member.